Specimen Collection
Faeces
: A standard examination for ova, cysts and parasites is performed.
Urine
: 24 hour urine and/or a casual urine with a recommended collection time between the hours of 1200 and 1500. No preservative should be added.
See also:
Faeces Intestinal Parasites Examination
Turnaround Time: Within 3 days
Performed Monday to Friday.
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
General information
Schistosomiasis is caused by digenetic blood trematodes. The three main species that cause human infection are
Schistosoma mansoni
,
S. haematobium
and
S. japonicum
. Stool examination should be performed if
S. mansoni
, or
S. japonicum
suspected. Urine should be sent when
S. haematobium
suspected. Patients should have had a history of overseas travel in schistosoma endemic areas.
S. mansoni
is found in parts of South America, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East;
S. haematobium
in Africa and the Middle East.
Other tests
Schistosomal serology
Contact Information
For further information, contact the Microbiology Department via Lablink or the Clinical Microbiologist:
Lablink contact details
Dr Sally Roberts
, Microbiologist:
ext 22705
Cellphone
021 674 140
Dr Sharmini Muttaiyah
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 615 892
Dr Mary de Almeida
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 170 9117
Dr Matthew Blakiston
, Microbiologist: contact via Lablink